by Jann Rowland
Lady Catherine, though she was in nominal conversation with Miss Bingley and Mrs. Bennet, spent most of her time watching Elizabeth’s interaction with her relations, and Mr. Darcy in particular. While Elizabeth might have become annoyed at the constant inspection, she decided it was best to ignore it. The lady would act the way she would; there was nothing Elizabeth could do to stop it.
“I believe you have impressed her,” said Mr. Darcy in a low tone when he noticed Elizabeth’s glance at his aunt.
“If that is so, I cannot imagine what meets her approval,” said Elizabeth, choosing humor for her response. “I am neither wealthy nor prominent enough for her favorite nephew.”
“Perhaps you are not,” replied Mr. Darcy. “But you are intelligent and confident enough to stand up for yourself, and those are traits that the lady respects.”
Though uncertain Mr. Darcy was correct, Elizabeth took this as a sign of his regard and changed the subject. The lady regained some of her volubility before the end of the visit, but not at all what Elizabeth might have expected.
During the return visit the following day, the lady reverted to what Elizabeth thought was her usual character. Nothing was beneath her notice. She questioned Kitty and Lydia on their studies, inserted her opinion regarding Mary’s skills on the pianoforte, spoke of the proper method for one to manage a house, and commented on the tea service, the cakes, and whatever else crossed her mind.
Charlotte, who was also visiting Longbourn that morning, was a focus as well for the lady. Though Elizabeth had been much engaged with Mr. Darcy and Georgiana of late, it had not missed her attention that Charlotte was often with Colonel Fitzwilliam, who was also visiting that morning. The lady, it seemed, noted the same, for her gaze rested on them for a time, though she did not ignore Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy.
“Miss Lucas,” said she after a time of this, “it seems to me you are a sturdy, practical sort of woman.”
“Thank you, Lady Catherine,” said Charlotte, already understanding much of the lady’s nature. “In this, I think you agree with Elizabeth, who has made much the same observation more than once.”
“Yes, well, Miss Elizabeth is as perceptive a young lady as I have ever met,” said Lady Catherine, not sparing a glance for Elizabeth herself. “Pardon my intrusion, but it is my understanding that you live nearby. Does your father own a large estate?”
“My home is no more than a mile from here,” said Charlotte. “Lucas Lodge is perhaps as large as Longbourn, or a little smaller.”
The lady nodded, deep in thought. “Then your prospects cannot be great. It is on my mind that you would be an excellent wife to my parson, Mr. Collins. If you like, I shall recommend you to him, for I believe a practical wife is what Mr. Collins requires.”
It did not miss Elizabeth’s attention that the lady’s words were a backhanded denigration of the parson’s capabilities, not that she disagreed. The suggestion that Charlotte had no prospects was no more tactful, though Elizabeth caught sight of Colonel Fitzwilliam frowning by Charlotte’s side and wondered if that was true. Charlotte, however, smiled at the lady and did not take offense, which was for the best, when faced by Lady Catherine’s urge to be useful.
“I thank you for the offer, your ladyship. When Mr. Collins was here, he paid no attention to me, or to anyone who did not meet his requirements in a wife. As he did not see me as an acceptable prospect then, I suspect there is little we can do to change his mind now.”
Miss Bingley, who was the only woman Mr. Collins had deemed acceptable, scowled at Charlotte, though Elizabeth knew her friend had not intended a slight. Lady Catherine, however, brushed Charlotte’s words away as if they were of no concern.
“It is within my ability to persuade him, Miss Lucas. As you require a situation and he requires a good, intelligent woman for a wife, I cannot imagine there can be any impediment.”
“Perhaps you are correct,” replied Charlotte. “However, I will own that I do not wish to always be caring for a husband, directing him, always afraid he should say something imprudent to embarrass me. Thank you, but I believe I shall decline.”
It cannot be supposed that Lady Catherine would take such a demurral with any grace, and for a moment, Elizabeth thought she would press the point. Whether she decided against it because of some well of restraint or because Colonel Fitzwilliam was glaring at her, Elizabeth did not know, but the lady did not speak on the subject again. Elizabeth was near enough to hear the lady mutter some choice epithets under her breath for the absent Mr. Collins.
For the rest of the visit, Elizabeth put the lady from her mind, grateful that Lady Catherine seemed to focus her attention on Mrs. Bennet. In this way her grand pronouncements were muted, allowing the others in the room to engage in their own conversations without interruption. When the Netherfield party left, however, Elizabeth found there was another issue of which she had not been aware.
“Do you see anything wrong with this room, Lizzy?” asked the Bennet matron after some time of silence. As the younger girls had retreated above stairs for their lessons, Mary was engaged on the pianoforte, and Jane had returned to her room, Elizabeth was alone with her mother.
“It has always seemed like a handsome room to me,” replied Elizabeth, uncertain to what her mother was referring. “Was it not redecorated not long after you and Papa married?”
“One of the first things I attended to,” replied Mrs. Bennet. “Your grandmother meant to do it herself, but funds were tight in those days, and your grandfather could not countenance an expenditure of such significance. The financial condition of the estate improved thereafter, and your father gave me leave to make the improvements.”
“And they are lovely,” replied Elizabeth, fixing her mother with a warm smile.
“Thank you, my dear,” said Mrs. Bennet, returning Elizabeth’s smile.
“What brought on these reflections, Mama?” asked Elizabeth. “Have the results of your efforts in this room not always pleased you?”
Mrs. Bennet’s countenance darkened. “Lady Catherine informed me that the style was dated. It is my duty to my husband and my family to present the best front to our friends and neighbors, and part of that is to keep up with the latest fashions.”
Shaking her head, Mrs. Bennet directed a plaintive look at Elizabeth. “The suggestions she made sounded costly; I wonder if your father would ever approve them. And do you know she also commented on our dresses, the dinner I ordered the night she dined with us, and the number of servants we employ? How we will ever afford all of her suggestions I know not.”
Understanding flooded Elizabeth and she sent a dark thought in the absent lady’s direction. Though Mrs. Bennet had been the mistress of Longbourn for over twenty years, Elizabeth knew Lady Catherine, with her experience and lineage, would impress her mother, forcing her to take notice of what the lady said. Mrs. Bennet was not above being insecure, regardless of her experience. Elizabeth had, for many years, attempted to bolster her mother’s confidence, for she was an excellent mistress, despite her lack of formal education.
“Mama, I believe it is best to take care when considering Lady Catherine’s pronouncements. What is best for the de Bourgh family may not be best for the Bennets.”
Uncertain, Mrs. Bennet said: “What do you mean?”
“Just this, Mama: Lady Catherine is a wealthy woman, is she not?” When her mother nodded, Elizabeth continued. “The de Bourgh fortune is extensive, as I understand, meaning Lady Catherine possesses the funds to do whatever she likes. Though we live in comfort, the Bennets are not wealthy, meaning we must weigh the benefits of such actions as Lady Catherine might deem unworthy of much thought.”
Mrs. Bennet paused, considering Elizabeth’s advice. “Do you think her words have no merit then?”
“I think her words have merit for those who are able to concern themselves for such things. If we were a wealthy family, concerned with appearances, we might redecorate more often. As we are not, I believe the constraints of b
udget must have greater weight than the need to give a good appearance.
“You should believe me, Mother. Has Papa complained about this room? Have any of our neighbors? Does Lady Lucas not comment about how much she likes this room every time she sets foot within it?”
“Yes, I believe you are correct,” said Mrs. Bennet with a nod.
“It would be best,” said Elizabeth, fixing her mother with a knowing grin, “to listen to Lady Catherine’s assertions and decide for yourself what would be best to accept and what we should decline. I believe Lady Catherine dispenses advice by habit and whim; she will not raise the matter again.”
With a smile, Mrs. Bennet rose and kissed Elizabeth’s head. “Thank you, Lizzy. You always know how best to ease my concerns. I believe I shall take your advice.”
Then Mrs. Bennet left the room, allowing Elizabeth her thoughts. Perhaps it was best to speak with her sisters. There was no telling what nonsense Lady Catherine had imparted to them.
Chapter XXII
When Anne’s carriage entered Netherfield’s drive later that Saturday, Darcy watched it with mixed emotions. Anne was his cousin, was a member of his family, and yet he did not know her well. While due in large part to his aunt’s insistence they marry and Darcy’s wish to avoid provoking her to hope, he was aware he might have used other means to come to know her better. The primary concern between them was the only matter of which they had not spoken at all, though Anne had intimated on occasion that she had no desire to marry him. That sense had given him an additional reason to rebuff Lady Catherine’s attempts to carry her point, and Darcy supposed he should thank her for that much.
“Cheer up, Darcy,” said Fitzwilliam, standing by his side. “There is no need to look at Anne’s coming as if it were a funeral.”
“I am not regretting her coming, I assure you,” said Darcy, unmoved by his cousin’s teasing. “It is just that I do not know Anne well at all.”
“She has not been close to any of us, and for that, you may put the blame on her mother. Perhaps this visit will benefit her if we can induce her to speak. Your young lady should do for that task—she possesses an astonishing ability to bring out the best in others.”
The thought of Miss Elizabeth heartened Darcy, allowing him to look upon the upcoming visit with more equanimity. Fitzwilliam was correct; loosing Miss Elizabeth’s joie de vivre and ability to charm upon Anne would help bring her out of her shell if there was anyone able to accomplish the feat. Perhaps Darcy might come to know his cousin at the same time.
As the carriage stopped and the footman positioned the step and opened the door, Fitzwilliam stepped forward and assisted Anne down from the carriage—even with Darcy’s open acknowledgment of his interest in Miss Elizabeth, it was best he did not perform even such simple tasks. If Lady Catherine noticed it, she said nothing, instead reserving her attention for her daughter. The greeting between mother and daughter was affectionate, or with as much warmth as Lady Catherine could muster. Anne reserved her true emotion for her greeting with Georgiana.
“Anne! How wonderful that you have come!”
The two women embraced, and Darcy reflected that his sister had always been closer to Anne than he. It was Anne’s presence that had drawn Georgiana to Rosings at times when she might have preferred not to go. Lady Catherine had always been much less severe on Georgiana than anyone else in the family, though that did not prevent Georgiana from fearing her regardless. The same was not true of Anne.
“Thank you, Georgiana dear,” replied Anne, returning Georgiana’s enthusiastic embrace. Then she turned to her other cousins.
“Fitzwilliam,” said she. “I see you have deigned to share your insouciance with us all.”
“Always, Cousin,” said Fitzwilliam with a grin.
“And Darcy. What is this I hear of you attending a woman in this neighborhood? Is she a woman of sense? I had not thought you capable of wooing any woman who was not out of her wits.”
Though Darcy had seen something of a teasing facet of Anne’s character in the past, never had it been so overt. It appeared he was not the only one surprised, for Lady Catherine looking on her only child with something akin to astonishment. Darcy regarded his cousin with a speculative eye; perhaps Anne was shrewder than he thought.
“There is no engagement yet, so it is still possible I might frighten her away.”
It seemed a return jest was the correct way to respond, for Anne’s tinkling laughter lightened Darcy’s mood, though Lady Catherine’s severity grew apace. Anne, however, ignored her mother and stepped toward him, laying a hand on his arm.
“Then it will be Georgiana’s responsibility, with my help, to ensure she does not run away screaming. We would not wish to throw away this chance we both have to be free at last, would we?”
“Anne!” chided Lady Catherine, having reached the limit of her tolerance.
“It is nothing less than the truth, Mother.”
There was little the lady could respond, and she showed surprising judgment by choosing the expedient of remaining silent. Knowing it was best to put this matter to the side for now, Darcy motioned to their hosts, introducing Bingley, his sisters, and Hurst to Anne’s acquaintance. The way Miss Bingley regarded her suggested to Darcy that she expected another Lady Catherine on a smaller scale. Anne, however, was quick to put her at ease.
“I thank you for inviting me to Netherfield on short notice, Miss Bingley,” said she, “though I suspect my mother did not give you much of a choice.”
“Anne!” was Lady Catherine’s strident protest, though Fitzwilliam and Darcy sniggered.
“It was no trouble, Miss de Bourgh,” said Miss Bingley, wisely choosing to ignore the byplay within the family. “We are pleased to have you stay with us.”
The greetings completed, Miss Bingley escorted Anne into the house and showed her to her rooms. Darcy took himself to the library for a time where he read, knowing that Georgiana and Anne were reacquainting themselves in Anne’s bedchamber. It was a surprise when he dressed for dinner and entered the sitting-room, that the next person to arrive was his cousin.
“Hello, Darcy,” said Anne with good cheer. “Shall I join you? Or perhaps it would be best to summon Georgiana as a chaperone, lest mother use this last opportunity to engineer a marriage between us.”
Darcy regarded her, wondering what this overflowing of mirth presaged; it was not something he might have expected from his quiet cousin. It had never been his opinion that Anne was unintelligent or unobservant, and she proved it by understanding his look.
“Do not regard me in such a way, Cousin,” said Anne. “If I am feeling a little giddy, you cannot blame me. I am certain it will pass in time, and I shall be as I ever was.”
That might not be welcome either, considering how quiet Anne had always been. “Was the prospect of marriage to me that onerous?”
“You have not had to live with my mother speaking about it at all times,” retorted Anne. Then she paused and said: “That is not fair to Mother either. When you were not before us, we often went days without my mother reminding me of my ‘destiny.’ But any time we were due to be in company with you, she would raise the subject again, and it seemed like she could speak of nothing else.”
“It is best, then, that you are freed. Regardless of my future with Miss Bennet, I have made it clear that we shall not marry.”
“And do you think Mother has given up altogether?” was Anne’s pointed response.
The grimace which Darcy responded told Anne all she needed to know.
“There you have it. For me to achieve my freedom, I must ensure you are safely married to your young woman.”
“Have you always been this way?” asked Darcy, hearing a hint of a plaintive note in his voice. “I would never have imagined it of you.”
“Just as you have avoided me, I have avoided you,” said Anne. “Now that we shall be free of Mama’s machinations, I hope we can forge a relationship as cousins.”
“To th
at, I can agree,” said Darcy, deciding to ignore her behavior for the moment.
“Now, when am I to meet this Miss Bennet of whom I have heard so much?” At Darcy’s pained look, Anne laughed and laid a hand upon his arm. “Do not concern yourself, Darcy, for I do not mean to meddle. Georgiana’s letters have been glowing in their praise of her, and I find myself eager to make her acquaintance.”
“Then I suspect you shall meet her tomorrow at church,” replied Darcy.
“And I shall be spared Mr. Collins’s droning pronouncements and nonsensical mutterings!” said Anne. “I have never heard such drivel in all my life. I suspect his subject for this week shall focus on a woman’s reputation, for his anger at Miss Bingley’s refusal knows no bounds.”
“I can well imagine it,” muttered Darcy. “It is fortunate the parson at Longbourn is a man much more in tune with his parish’s needs.”
“Excellent!” exclaimed Anne. “then I shall look forward to meeting your Miss Bennet and not falling asleep in church!”
The sound of Anne’s laughter accompanied Darcy’s shaking head. While he was not certain yet what to make of his cousin’s astonishing change, he thought he might like her very well.
Miss Caroline Bingley was a woman of excellent character and impeccable manners. One did not eavesdrop at doors or listen in on private conversations, especially when one was the mistress of an estate and wished to make an impression upon the guests staying there. It was fortunate that no one saw her as she hesitated outside the door to the sitting-room, hearing the final few exchanges in Mr. Darcy and Miss de Bourgh’s conversation.